Australia helps schooling in Laos, Myanmar

School students in Myanmar (Burma) and Laos will get millions of dollars from the Australian government.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced the aid packages while in the two countries over the past week.

Australia will give Laos $86 million over four years to help about 450,000 children learn to read, write and improve numeracy skills.

It's hoped this will help the most disadvantaged children - girls, children from ethnic minority groups and students with disabilities - get a quality education.

At the moment only a quarter of girls in Laos finish primary school.

Another $27.8 million will boost services at 43,000 schools in Myanmar and strengthen teacher training.

This is on top of $24.6 million Australia is giving to promote economic growth, via the World Bank, and support community engagement with the peace process.

Ms Bishop is also looking at expanding the New Colombo Plan to give Australian university students an opportunity to study in Myanmar.